Emperor of Russia-On August 12, 1904, Nicholas' wife bore him their fifth child, a son, Alexei, who became Tsarevich (heir apparent). Unfortunately, the young child was afflicted with hemophilia, a disorder that prevented his blood from clotting properly. The gene was reportedly carried by Nicholas' wife, Alexandra, who had received it from Queen Victoria. Nicholas did not reveal that his son carried the illness to the public for fear of further weakening his royal house's influence in Russia.

Quiet and indecisive, Nicholas was totally unprepared to become Tsar when his father died unexpectedly at an early age. The lack of constancy in his decision-making would prove to be the downfall of the Russian Empire. IMAGE: Postcard of Tsar Nicholas II.